High intensity discharge strobe lamp assembly and method for producing attenuated-EMI strobe illumination
Inactive Publication Date: 2005-10-20
LUMINESCENT SYST
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- Abstract
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- Application Information
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Benefits of technology
[0021] In one aspect, the invention relates to a high intensity discharge strobe lamp assembly, comprising a high intensity discharge lamp having an arc gap that is energizable for strobing emission, and circuitry that is constructed and arranged to (i) deliver power to the high intensity discharge lamp from a power supply for powered operation including strobing emissions and non-strobing operation, (ii) supply current continuously to the arc gap of the high intensity discharge lamp during said powered operation so that a flux of electrons across the arc gap is maintained during said strobing emissions as well as said non-strobing operation, and (iii) generate no deleterious EMI during said powered operation.
Problems solved by technology
HID lamps, however, have a significant disadvantage in strobe operation.
When such high voltage is applied to a non-powered HID lamp, however, electromagnetic interference (EMI) signals are generated in the MHz and GHz range.
Because most electronic devices operate in the MHz and GHz range, the EMI that is generated (in turn-on of the HID lamp by impressing high voltage thereon) can cause damage to or malfunction of electronic devices that are in proximity to the HID lamp EMI source.
Such lamps as a result of their high-EMI output cannot be utilized in environments containing sensitive electrical / electronic equipment whose operation would be compromised by EMI exposure.
Environments of such type include aircraft environments in which HID strobe lamps as a result of their luminous intensity are highly desirable for exterior lighting of the aircraft, but in which sensitive avionics equipment are susceptible to malfunction and failure as a result of the deleterious EMI radiated by these lamps during their switch-on.
Shielding, however, increases the cost and complexity of the lamp system, is labor-intensive to install, and is susceptible to deterioration and mechanical failure, with consequent adverse effect on electrical / electronic equipment in the environment of the EMI-emitting HID lamp.
Method used
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[0033] The present invention relates to a high intensity discharge strobe lamp assembly that produces strobe illumination without the incidence of EMI emissions that have limited the utility of prior art HID strobe lamps in EMI-sensitive applications.
[0034] In one preferred embodiment, the HID strobe lamp assembly of the present invention is utilized for exterior aircraft lighting applications, to provide high-visibility strobe illumination during operation of the aircraft, without adverse impact of EMI effects on the on-board avionics instrumentation of such aircraft, e.g., navigational and communications systems, fuel and engine monitoring equipment, electromechanical systems for landing gear and aircraft control surface elements, telemetry systems, etc.
[0035] The present invention is based on the discovery that a current may be applied continuously to the arc gap of a high intensity discharge strobe lamp, throughout the powered operation of the lamp including strobing emissions...
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A high intensity discharge (HID) strobe lamp assembly including an HID lamp and circuitry arranged to maintain a current flow to the arc gap of the lamp throughout the powered operation of the lamp during strobing emissions as well as non-strobing operation. The lamp assembly thereby avoids problems incident to turn-on of the lamp for strobing emissions in prior lamps, in which long delay times between successive strobe emissions are necessary or high turn-on voltages are needed to flash the lamp. The lamp assembly of the invention avoids the requirement of long relaxation periods between successive strobe events and the need for high voltage conditions for strobing of the lamp, so that the lamp is able to operate in an efficient manner without generating EMI in the MegaHertz-GigaHertz range.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of Invention [0002] The present invention generally relates to high intensity discharge (HID) lamps and more specifically to a high intensity strobe lamp assembly and method that produces strobe illumination without electromagnetic interference (EMI). [0003] 2. Brief Description of the Related Art [0004] By way of background to the ensuing discussion of the related art to the present invention, and in connection with the description of the invention hereinafter, set out below is a glossary of relevant terminology. [0005] As used herein, a “high intensity discharge (HID) lamp” means a lamp using a ballast to generate an electrical charge and to regulate voltage and current, which produces illumination when an arc of electrical energy passes across an arc gap, through gas contained in the lamp. Examples of HID lamps include, without limitation, metal halide lamps, compact metal halide lamps, pulse-start metal halide lamps, high pressure sodi...
Claims
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Login to View More IPC IPC(8): G05F1/00H05B37/00H05B37/02H05B39/04H05B41/34H05B41/36
CPCH05B41/34
InventorPOWELL, JOHN EDDIE
OwnerLUMINESCENT SYST